The current Thor comic series (volume 7) features Thor without his usual powers, but this isn’t unique in Marvel Comics. Many major heroes have temporarily lost or had their powers changed, forcing them to adapt. This is a common tactic in comics—powers often return, or the changes allow Marvel to explore new directions for its heroes. It’s rare for a hero to permanently lose their abilities.
Here are seven times that Marvel has stripped its biggest heroes of their powers in comics.
7) Thor
The recent Immortal Thor storyline saw Thor killed by Loki, causing humanity to forget all about Asgard. This left Thor reborn as a powerless human named Sigurd Jarlson. Now, in the new Thor series, Thor is struggling without his powers while facing a powerful, resurrected version of his former identity, Donald Blake. Loki and Odin have made it clear that Thor must overcome this challenge on his own.
This provided a great opportunity to reimagine Thor, bringing him back to Earth and removing his responsibilities as king of Asgard. This allows him to rediscover what it means to be a hero. While the storyline of Thor losing his powers is still unfolding, it has the potential to revitalize his character and pave the way for exciting new adventures.
6) Professor X
The ‘Onslaught’ event nearly wiped out the entire Marvel Universe, and it was caused by Professor X. It began when he mentally shut down Magneto, fearing his friend would continue to threaten the world. But this act went against Professor X’s core beliefs, severely affected him, and ultimately left him without his powers.
When Xavier mentally shut down Magneto, a powerful new entity called Onslaught was created, formed from Xavier’s anger and Magneto’s hatred and fear. Onslaught immediately gained control of Xavier’s psychic abilities, leaving Xavier powerless to stop it. The creature then killed both the Fantastic Four and the Avengers before apparently being destroyed.
5) Wolverine
The incident that created Onslaught also resulted in one X-Men member losing their abilities. Professor X was ultimately forced to mentally shut down Magneto after Magneto went too far during a fight with the X-Men, nearly killing Wolverine by ripping out his adamantium skeleton. This was a deeply traumatic experience for Logan.
Jean Grey acted quickly and stabilized Wolverine, buying time for him to receive medical attention. Unfortunately, the extent of his injuries overwhelmed his normally powerful healing ability. Without his adamantium skeleton and with his healing factor failing, Wolverine was vulnerable as never before. This led him to leave the X-Men, and eventually, he lost control, becoming a wild, animalistic figure for a period.
4) Storm
Storm is incredibly powerful, and a testament to her strength comes from early in her X-Men career. Even after temporarily losing her weather-controlling mutant abilities – powers that already place her at an Omega-level – she still earned the respect and leadership role in battle. It’s also important to remember she’s a goddess, adding to her already immense power. This pivotal moment occurred during the Lifedeath storyline.
Henry Gyurch unintentionally removed Storm’s superpowers, leaving her without them. She then lived with Forge, who assisted her in regaining her abilities. Eventually, Storm left the X-Men and went back to Africa, a change that lasted for two years. Upon her return, she challenged Cyclops for leadership of the team and surprisingly won, even without her powers. Storm took over as the new leader, and Cyclops decided to leave the X-Men.
3) Carol Danvers
Okay, so the story of Captain Marvel, or Carol Danvers, is fascinating. She actually began as a supporting character alongside the original Captain Mar-Vell. When he passed away, she stepped up and became Ms. Marvel, joining the Avengers. But her life took a really dark turn during a fight with Mystique, Destiny, and Rogue. Rogue, who was a villain back then, used her powers on Carol, but she didn’t let go quickly enough. It essentially drained Carol of everything – her powers, her very essence – and left her on the brink of death. It’s a pivotal moment that truly shapes who she becomes.
Fortunately, Spider-Woman rescued Carol and brought her to the X-Men for assistance. Spider-Woman hoped Professor X could help Carol recover her memories, which had been taken by Rogue, and he proved successful. However, while he restored her memories, he couldn’t restore the feelings associated with them. Even worse, Carol lost her powers completely. She remained powerless for a year before regaining them as Binary.
2) Captain America
During a fight with the villain Iron Nail, Captain America’s Super Soldier serum was somehow reversed, causing Steve Rogers to age very quickly, appearing over 90 years old. Despite this rapid aging, he remained capable and continued his work protecting the world, staying surprisingly fit for his advanced age.
This is when Steve Rogers, Captain America, officially passed the mantle to Sam Wilson, making him the new Captain America and the country’s primary hero. This continued until the Incursions caused Earth’s destruction. Even at 90 years old, Steve fought Iron Man during the planet’s final moments, which led to the events of Secret Wars. After Secret Wars concluded, Steve Rogers was restored to the newly created Earth-616 with his powers returned.
1) Franklin Richards
Franklin Richards is arguably the most powerful character in Marvel Comics. His abilities are so immense that he’s created entire universes and been worshipped as a god by the civilizations within them. Because his power is so difficult to control, his father, Reed Richards, once had to put him in a coma. Marvel writers frequently have to limit his powers to keep things balanced.
Franklin Richards, a powerful character in Marvel Comics, gains and loses his abilities depending on the story. He recently willed himself to be a mutant, even believing it to be true. However, after using the remaining energy from his powers to save the world, Professor X discovered Franklin wasn’t a mutant at all, but a hero powered by cosmic forces. Currently, Franklin is without powers, but it’s likely he’ll regain them again in the future.
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2025-12-28 21:12